The Police Command in Plateau has arrested and paraded various suspects including internet fraudsters, who operate an internet fraud (Yahoo-Yahoo) academy called Hustling Kingdom (HK) in Jos, the capital of Plateau.
Parading the suspects alongside others at the command headquarters in Jos, the Police Commissioner in the state, CP Emmanuel Adesina said the suspects were arrested by Policemen in different locations of the State.
He said “on 20/10/2024 at about 10:30am, we received a report concerning the following persons, one Ateh Anthony Idoko, 23 and Daniel Idoko both 23 years old of Agingi, Rukuba Road who are internet fraudsters (Yahoo-Yahoo).
“The suspects conspired among themselves to traffic young boys who have just graduated from Secondary school to a secluded residence, lock them up, seize their phones and train them on how to masterfully defraud people via romance scam and other cyber related frauds.
“They also force them to go into the internet and continue to defraud innocent would-be victims and in the event where they refuse to cooperate, the ring leader beat them mercilessly with horsewhip.”
The CP said upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer, Rantya division under his strict directive, immediately mobilized men and swung into action and raided the hideout where Eleven (11) suspects were arrested, including the Two (2) principal suspects.
He added that investigations were ongoing, while efforts were being intensified with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects and ensuring that they face the full weight of the law.
The CP also said: “on 16/10/2024 at about 07:00am while acting upon credible intelligence, the Command’s Eagle Eye Patrol Unit (EEPU) arrested one Jonathan Arin, 27 years, one Moses Festus 27 years, Sambo Audu 30 years, Nehemiah Yakubu 25 years, all male of Angwan Rukuba Jos.”
He disclosed that the suspects were arrested in possession of locally fabricated rifles, pistols and other dangerous tools and equipments used in the fabrication of firearms.
“Upon interviewing the suspects, they all confessed to the crime and issued their confessional statements which were recorded under words of caution,” Adesina said.
He said investigation was ongoing to recover all firearms already distributed to some mischievous persons and to arrest more suspects in connection to the act.
“On 11/09/2024 at about 02:00pm, while on surveillance patrol along Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos, our team arrested one Destiny Gomwalk, male upon reasonable suspicion.
“In the process of our interviewing the suspect and upon conducting a search on him, one locally fabricated revolver pistol was recovered from his possession.
The case is under investigation at the State CID with a view to charging the suspect to Court for onward prosecution.”
The Police also paraded 2 other Suspects for child trafficking and rescued 4 children from the them.
“On 12/10/2024 at about 04:30pm, we received a report at “A” division Police Station stating that on 11/10/2024 at about 04:30pm when they returned from work, they discovered that four (4) of their children were missing.
“Upon inquiry, they were informed by their neighbour’s daughter that they were seen with one Comfort, female who usually comes to visit her friend, one Adamu Bawa in the compound.
”Upon receipt of the report, our men immediately swung into action which led to the rescue of the four (4) children and two (2) suspects. The case is currently under investigation and will be charged to court upon conclusion,” he said.
The police said while on discreet patrol and surveillance of cultists and miscreants hideouts, their officers from the Anti-Cult Unit Jos, apprehended one Aliyu Ibrahim, 19 years old at Hwolaza opposite Army Engineer Jos and upon conducting a search on him, Two (2) live AK-47 ammunition were recovered in his possession.
The CP said the suspect who will be charged to court for onward prosecution has confessed to have gotten the ammunition from Zangon Kataf LGA in Kaduna State.
“On 16/10/2024 at about 10:00am, one Sandra Dalyop, female of opposite Ebenezer Church Jos reported at “A” division Police Station that on 08/10/2024 at about 08:00pm while on her way from church, she was robbed of the following items by unidentified armed men: one Tecno Camon 12 pro valued about Sixty Thousand Nair (N60,000.00k) only, and one Redmi power bank valued about Fifteen Thousand Naira (N15,000.00k) only.
“Upon receipt of the report, our men at “A” division led by the DPO immediately commenced investigation and as a result, one Emmanuel Joseph, male, of Rukuba road, Jos was arrested. Exhibit recovered in his possession includes one locally fabricated pistol,” he said.
The Police boss urged citizens to continue to partner with the Police to ensure a better and more peaceful Plateau State.